Read Online The Start-Up by Sadie Hayes - Free Book Online

jovially to the Hawkins sisters. “How is everyone this evening?” He walked over to Shandi, protesting as she started to stand up, and leaned down to kiss her on either cheek. “Aren’t you looking lovelier than ever?” Shandi blushed. As much as she wrote him off as an asshole, the part of her that had had an enormous crush on him from fifth through ninth grade couldn’t help smile whenever he gave her a compliment.
    T. J. crossed to the sofa and plopped down next to Patty. “Mind if I join you?”
    Patty rolled her eyes. “Of course not, T. J.” He stared straight at Patty and smiled coyly, as if inviting her to start the charade.
    “So,” he asked, “where’s Chad?”
    Not picking up on where he’d directed the question, Shandi answered.
    “He’s at a business school mixer but should be here any minute. I can’t wait for you two to meet.”
    As if on cue, the doorbell rang again and Mr. Hawkins, who was walking back from the kitchen, welcomed his future son-in-law.
    “Look who I found,” he announced to the room as he brought Patty her glass of white wine.
    Shandi stood up from her chair and let Chad rush over to embrace her in his strong arms, kissing her gently on the lips. “My beautiful bride-to-be. Man, have I missed you.”
    They stayed for a moment in that sickeningly perfect embrace. Patty watched them, and T. J. watched Patty.
    Finally, Chad crossed to the sofa and stuck out his hand to T. J. “You must be T. J. I’m Chad. Great to meet you.” With a sly grin, T. J. returned the firm handshake. “It’s great to meet you, Chad. I’ve heard so much about you. And … ” T. J. glanced at Patty
    “I’ve seen so many photos. I feel like I practically know you already.” Chad nodded politely. He didn’t care to fraternize with so many people who were younger than him. An unfortunate ramification of marrying someone four years your junior was that you didn’t always get along with her friends.
    As if he had delayed the inevitable long enough, Chad finally turned to Patty, who remained seated. Walking across the room, he lifted his hand into a high five. “What’s going on, little sis?” She furrowed her brow, cocked her head to one side and looked up at him just long enough for them both, and T. J., to notice, but not long enough for anyone else to pick up on the exchange. She grabbed hold of his hand to help her stand up from the sofa and smiled. “I’m great, Chad. It’s really swell to see you. I’m also starving.
    What does everyone say to forcing Mom downstairs so we can eat?”
    “I’m coming, I’m coming,” Mrs. Hawkins called from the stairs, which she was hopping down in a cute Lily Pulitzer sundress and sandals, her hair perfectly coiffed and her makeup impeccably clean.
    “Felicia, can you go ahead and start serving the salads?” The first course went smoothly enough. T. J. and Patty sat on one side of the table, facing Shandi and Chad, and Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins sat at either end. Shandi dominated the conversation, going on and on about Yale—she was staying an extra year to finish a master’s degree in art history—and about the latest parties in New York at the Frick and the New York Athletic Club and you-just-wouldn’t-believe-how-sophisticated-New-York-parties-are-compared-to-California-ones. Gross.
    Patty watched T. J. politely nod as Shandi continued but could feel him waiting to say something and was terrified of what that something was.
    As Felicia served the main course—poached salmon with dill-cucumber sauce, Israeli couscous, and grilled asparagus—T. J. saw his opportunity.
    “So, tell me about the wedding planning,” he said.
    Mrs. Hawkins was delighted. This was her favorite topic of conversation.
    “Well, it’s going to be in Maui. I wanted the Glen Ridge Vineyard in Napa Valley—have you been there? It’s stunning and very difficult to book.
    It was listed in Vogue last year as one of the top twenty-five most beautiful places in the world